AFC Asian Cup qualifiers: India fall behind despite stealing point against Singapore

Not everything went India’s way in the third-round clashes of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Reduced to ten men early in the second half after Sandesh Jhingan was sent off just after resumption, India were a minute away from a second consecutive loss, and almost out of contention. Singapore, however, blundered in the final minute of regulation time as Rahim Ali’s first international goal helped secure a 1-1 result in on Thursday.

Given the circumstances, it was a valuable point, but much after the celebrations died down, came a reality check. In faraway Dhaka, Hong Kong struck in the 11th minute of second half stoppage time for a wild 4-3 win against , leaving India five points behind the group leaders with just three games left to be played.

Only the group winners qualify for the Saudi Arabia edition of the Asian Cup.

“I think it’s going to be difficult, we are just taking one game at a time,” Sunil Chhetri, who returned to the team after being left out for last month’s CAFA Nations Cup, said after the draw in Singapore. “Going ten men and getting a result wasn’t easy. Just glad to be taking a point away.”

India are without a win at the halfway stage of the qualifiers.

When Ikhsan Fandi scored in first half stoppage time for Singapore and Jhingan was sent off for a second yellow, India were left with their backs against the wall. Chances were limited, and the hosts were in the ascendancy, only to blunder right at the end.

Without a shot on goal till then and ineffective upfront, India could have only scored from a defensive lapse.

Khalid Jamil’s side were thrown a lifeline in the 90th minute when Jordan Emaviwe casually played a ball back to goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. Rahim pressed, got a bit fortunate as the clearance ricocheted off him and towards goal, leaving him with the easiest of opportunity to turn the ball home.

For most part, Singapore were the better team, enjoying 63 % ball possession and plenty of looks at the India goal. The hosts had several chances, only to miss, twice from handshaking distance.

Ilhan Fandi had chances in quick succession. At first, he shot wide, after being put under pressure by a sliding Rahul Bheke, while another attempt from a one-on-one situation with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saw the keeper effect a good save.

Even in the first half with everyone available, India never really posed a threat to the rival goal. Jamil chose to start with two men upfront – Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary – but without creativity in midfield, chances were in short supply.

Then, with time running out, Jamil was forced into attacking changes: Udanta Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad and Rahim were all thrown into the mix, and India were gifted a point which, at least mathematically, keeps them in the hunt.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Karwa Chauth 2025 wishes, Mehndi Designs and Puja Vidhi !